Business news - 30 September 2009

Algeria will be a fitting venue for next year's LNG 16 Conference, having staked its place as the EU's third largest supplier of foreign gas.

India has ambitions to become the hub for petroleum products exports. The export potential coupled with the additional capacity additions and new refineries provide a unique opportunity for potential investors.

The signing of an intergovernmental agreement between Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria and Hungary in Ankara on 13th July was a significant step towards construction of the E7.9 billion (US$ 11.05 billion) Nabucco gas pipeline, which will bring Caspian gas to Europe via the Balkans, Turkey and the Caucasus.

Following the resignation of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, her successor Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell has announced that the North Slope pipeline will be his top priority. Parnell is expected to pursue many of Palin’s basic policy initiatives, including an Alaska natural gas pipeline.

Siemens' Pipeline Demo Center simulates technologies on a model pipeline system.

If captured and recovered for energy, coal mine methane is a cost-effective resource. Coal mines around the world are increasingly focusing on the commercially available, cost-effective opportunities to capture and use this often wasted resource.

Subsea 7 has been awarded a pipeline engineering, construction and installation contract by BP worth approximately US$ 150 million. In addition, the company has opened a new pipeline fabrication spoolbase in Texas.

South America has an impressive total of gas reserves and is increasing its production, however, the region is continually facing problems despite its desire to expand and develop.

Ongoing government plans to develop CCS technology reflect growing awareness that coal is essential to the future energy mix.

In March 2009, Brazil adopted the much-awaited Gas Law; regulating the transportation of natural gas. The Gas Law establishes a 30 year concession regime, bringing enhanced security for private companies to enter the market for transportation and storage of natural gas.

Pipeline integrity: lessons learnt from across the globe can prevent unnecessary failures and lead to improved long-term pipeline durability.

With the long-term prospect of increasing global energy demand, securing future energy supplies has become a common global issue. For those countries with dwindling production rates or low hydrocarbon reserves, the pressure for energy security is set to increase.

OPITO – The Oil and Gas Academy, is focusing on attracting skills and talent to the oil and gas industry, through its ‘Energise Your Future’ event, which took place at this year’s Offshore Europe in Aberdeen.

Petrobras has announced a new light oil find in the Campos Basin. This article looks at the new oil find; Petrobras’ International Business Plan; relations between Brazil and China; foreign participation in the Brazilian market and prospects for the Brazilian pipeline sector over the next few years.

Increased difficulties in obtaining utility right-of-way and the concept of utility corridors have brought pipelines into close proximity with electric power transmission/distribution systems. Metallic objects subjected to the alternating electromagnetic field will exhibit an induced voltage. Also, power conductor faults to ground can cause substantial fault currents in the underground structure.